Spare tire and board in my 1960 - should it fit flat

[Donald H.]

I just put a spare tire in the tub first time since I've owned the car and as I finish the restoration. The tire is holding the cover board up at least 1/2" off the surface. I've seen lots of picture and those that show the board resting down onto the trunk surface.

I have Coker repro BF Goodrich 6.70-15 tires. Are these tires just somewhat fatter than the originals?

I've got 24 lbs of air in the tire, so I guess i'll have to just leave it nearly flat to get it to fit. Is that what other 58-60 and I supposed 61-62 owners do with the repro tires?

Thanks,

Don

[Russ S.]

Re: Spare tire and board in my 1960 - should it fit flat

Are you sure your rim is the correct width? 5 inch

[Donald H.]

Re: Spare tire and board in my 1960 - should it fit flat

Are you sure your rim is the correct width? 5 inch

Yes, wheels are correct for 60. 5" rims with the outer nubs for full hubcaps. I did find a reference in the '1958-60 Corvette Restoration Handbook', which says:


"Reproduction tires are made from the original molds, so they are exact other than the DOT markings. However, when you put your reproduction spare into the spare tire tub and then proceed to bolt down the cover, you’ll find that the cover sits about a quarter inch higher than the floor of the trunk. The cover sits flush with an original spare. Since the original molds are used, the question is why is the reproduction wider. Unfortunately, current DOT regulations require that the tire be inflated and tested upon removal from the mold. Since the tire is still hot, inflating it stretches it and permanently makes it wider. Increase in the other direction is limited due to the belting."

So my only alternative is to deflate the tire!!!

[Jim D.]

Re: Spare tire and board in my 1960 - should it fit flat

The repo. Cokers have a wider cross-section than the original tires. Your problem is a very common one and deflation is the only solution.

[Jim L.]

Re: Spare tire and board in my 1960 - should it fit flat

So my only alternative is to deflate the tire!!!

Well, yes, sort of.

What I do with my '54 is to carry a spare that has an inner tube. The spare is completely deflated and the trunk board sits flat.

The only time I plan to pump up the spare is if I actually need it. I carry a couple of cans of Fix-a-Flat I'll use for that purpose.

Someday maybe I'll be able to let you know how that all worked out.

Jim

[Joe M.]

Re: Spare tire and board in my 1960 - should it fit flat

Donald, I have the same problem on my 1960 and have the same tires you purchased. Deflation is the solution. Carry a bicycle pump in the trunk and use it in a pinch to inflate the tire. Sort of kidding, but certainly a quick fix if you need to put the tire on the ground.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Spare tire and board in my 1960 - should it fit flat

Isn't it rather ridiculous that you're paying a very high price for a supposed repo tire that won't fit in the well properly without deflating it. All I can say is DU. Shame on you Coker. While you continue to make millions from the collector car hobby you've forgotten what reproduction means. How many other vendors have we all had to deal with that claim to make reproductions, but fail the most basic definition of a reproduction. One last question were these tires possible made in CHINA. If so there's your answer way they don't fit. Profit over quality.
Stephen Barrett (21558) 59,66,71,73

[Gordon W.]

Re: Spare tire and board in my 1960 - should it fit flat

Isn't it rather ridiculous that you're paying a very high price for a supposed repo tire that won't fit in the well properly without deflating it. All I can say is DU. Shame on you Coker. While you continue to make millions from the collector car hobby you've forgotten what reproduction means. How many other vendors have we all had to deal with that claim to make reproductions, but fail the most basic definition of a reproduction. One last question were these tires possible made in CHINA. If so there's your answer way they don't fit. Profit over quality.
Stephen Barrett (21558) 59,66,71,73

I don't know, I thought Donald in post #3 explained it pretty well. They are using original molds but DOT regulations cause a slight growth of the tire.